You can get a really quality rod for $300 - $500, a quality reel for $150 - $200 and line for $60.....Especially for warm water fishiing....put your money in the Rod (1st), Line (2nd) Reel (3rd) and you will be ok..You can even get really good reels like an Orvis BBS III for around $100. If you are a beginner stay away from Fast or Tip Action...Get you a good medium fast rod and it can handle just about anything you would want to do on warm water. Length - anywhere from 8' to 9' - 9' foot is you are on big rivers - 8' if you oare on streams....8.6' is a good compromise for a first rod...but they are getting hard to find. Get a 4 piece - it's easier to travel with and either a 5 or 6 weight rod.